If you have a history of seizures or migraine headaches, you aren’t going to run to the doctor or the ER every time you have an episode. Anyone with a long-standing medical issue like this knows how to recognize the early symptoms and warning signs for their condition, and knows how to prepare to keep themselves safe. In fact, attempting to travel to see your doctor during an episode is incredibly ill-advised and dangerous.
The problem is that Social Security and your doctors rely heavily on what is written in your medical records. If your symptoms are not documented, it can appear that they are not happening as often or as severely as they really are. The good news is there are simple, practical ways to make sure your condition is properly documented.
Keep a Calendar
One of the easiest things you can do is keep a small calendar dedicated to your seizures or migraines. You can buy a pocket calendar at almost any store. Each time you have an episode, write it down on the date it happened. Include:
- How severe it was
- How long it lasted
- Any other symptoms you experienced:
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- sweating
- sensitivity to light or sound
- emotional or cognitive changes
- loss of consciousness, paralysis, or involuntary movements
- Record how long it took you to recover
- Record any injuries you received during the episode
This level of detail is very important in chronicling exactly what you are experiencing.
Bring that calendar with you to every doctor’s appointment. Do not assume the doctor will ask about every episode. Show them your notes and ask them to include that information in your medical record.
You can say something simple like, “I have been tracking my migraines. Can you put this in my chart?” This helps turn your personal notes into official medical documentation.
Keep a Written Log
Another option is to keep a written log instead of a calendar. This can be a notebook or printed pages where you track the same information each time. Some people prefer this because it gives them more room to describe what happened. Either way is fine, but the key is to be consistent and detailed.
Notify Your Doctor Every Time
You can also contact your doctor’s office each time you have a seizure or migraine, after you have safely recovered. Call them or send a message through the patient portal and report what happened. Ask them to document the message in your chart. This creates a real-time record, even if you are not being seen in person. Again, be very detailed in your description of the event.
These steps may seem simple, but they can make a big difference. The goal is to create a clear, consistent record of how often your symptoms occur, how they affect you, and how much time they take to manage. That kind of documentation can be critical in proving your case for disability.
At Disability Advocates, we help people understand their rights, avoid costly mistakes, and make sure Social Security pays you exactly what you deserve.